Best and brightest to join forces in memory of Jeremy Strode

When Jeremy Strode died suddenly in July last year, it sent shock waves throughout the food industry.

Australia had lost a culinary legend.

Strode left behind his wife and kitchen collaborator, Jane, and their young sons.

Now 14 of Australia’s best and brightest chefs will gather in Sydney next month to pay their respects at a fundraising dinner for his family.

British-born Strode began his cooking career at 14 and, by 24, was working for renowned French chef Michel Roux at his three-Michelin-star Waterside Inn at Bray in Berkshire. He then moved to Melbourne in 1992, where he spearheaded developments in the city’s food scene in the 90s.

Jeremy moved to Sydney in 2002 with his wife, where he took over the reins of Crown Street’s MG Garage. The couple then opened Bistrode, in the space now occupied by Bar Ume, in Surry Hill’s Bourke Street, known for its skillful handle in implementing seasonal ingredients with precision.

His biggest legacy was investing time in aspiring chefs who viewed him in the highest regard, lovingly referring to Strode as “The Truth” for his refreshingly honest approach to cooking.

Strode’s ability to consistently produce exquisite food accompanied with his personable nature ultimately left a gaping hole in the culinary food scene.

The outpouring of love that followed his death was a testament to how many lives he touched.

Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes was among many determined to give thanks.

“Jeremy was such a kind and quietly thoughtful man. He was a friend and mentor to many at Merivale, always so generous in sharing his exceptional talent,” Hemmes said.

While this esteemed chef excelled in leaps and pounds, he struggled on a personal level. Having fought mental illness for years, he gave of himself as an ambassador to the R U Okay movement and disclosed his battles openly.

The upcoming dinner has the best intentions to fill that void in the industry and return the favour to a man who was dearly loved by all.

Tickets for The Strode Family Dinner are $300 each or $3000 for a table of ten. All proceeds raised on the night be given to his wife Jane and their boys to support them with their future.